Chia (Salvia hispanica) is a variety of sage, native to Mexico and widely cultivated in South America.
The Mayans already used it as an energy booster .
Considered today in France as a super-food it contains exceptional health benefits that we will discover .
Chia seeds: an exceptional nutritional profile
The nutritional virtues of this plant are multiple and make it a unique health partner.
- rich in fibre:chia seeds are an ideal partner for digestion and weight loss.
At the intestinal level they allow the regularity of the transit and fight constipation.
This fibre content makes it a food with prebiotic qualities,excellent for colon health.
- rich in omega 3: chia seeds contain essential fatty acids, alpha linoleic acid, which are essential for fighting inflammation and for a healthy cardiovascular system.
- full of vitamins and minerals:this variety of sage contains vitamins A, B, E, D and a wide variety of minerals such as magnesium, iron, sulphur and manganese.
- have a high protein content of 20% due to the essential amino acids they contain.
These seeds from South America are nutritional treasures.
The health benefits of chia seeds
Thanks to their unique properties they are considered a super food.
The main effects of these seeds from Mexico on our body:
- an energy booster for our vitality:the large amount of nutrients they contain help to support our body's vital energy.
Particularly appreciated by sportsmen and women, chia seeds stimulate vitality and give more endurance during exercise.
- a good source of hydration : when diluted in water, chia seeds form a gel that keeps the body hydrated for longer, again ideal for sportsmen and women.
- an aid to weight loss : rich in protein and thanks to their high fibre content, chia seeds promote the feeling of satiety, thus allowing you to reduce the amount of food consumed and lose weight.
- a protective role on the cardiovascular system : they reduce the cholesterol level by their high content of omega 3 fatty acids.
- a stimulant of the digestion : rich in fibre, they regulate the intestinal transit. Salvia hispanica effectively fights constipation.
Chia seeds in practice
How to eat this food every day?
Chia seeds, like flax or psyllium, can be soaked in water to obtain a viscous gel called mucilage.
This makes it easier to eat on a daily basis.
You can take two tablespoons of chia seeds per day to cover your daily needs in fibres, to which you add 9 volumes of water or liquid of your choice (fruit juice, milk), as an example you will mix 15 grams of seeds with 135 ml of water.
You can also consume them dry, but in this case to facilitate their absorption, it is necessary to drink enough water.
A good alternative to eggs
Chia seeds are rich in proteins and free of cholesterol. They can be a healthy alternative to eggs, ideal for your pastries for example.
The recommended fibre intake is 30 grams per day, which can easily be satisfied by eating one to two tablespoons of seeds.
Specifically for athletes
it is recommended half an hour before a training to consume a drink with chia seeds (in water, fruit juice or coconut water), the contributions in essential amino acids and fatty acid omega will enable you to better endure the effort and to better recover thereafter.
Some recipes with chia seeds
To rehydrate and boost your vitality:
A delicious drink made of lemon juice,chia seeds and ginger will help you lose weight also by its detoxifying action: One litre of spring water, 4 tablespoons of chia seeds, one lemon juice, some grated fresh ginger. Mix everything together and chill for 30 minutes.
To start the day nothing like an energetic breakfast:
Chia seeds rich in fiber mixed with flax seeds, oatmeal, almond milk, fresh fruit (banana slices, blueberries, raspberries, kiwi) and a touch of honey . Vitality guaranteed!
You see, these little seeds from Mexico are only good for you!
Do not hesitate to add them to your daily food!
